KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — During the week of March 13-17, REAL Services will celebrate Nutrition Awareness Week.  Anyone age 60 and older is welcome to enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch at one of 34 Senior Nutrition Centers throughout north central Indiana.  Food, fun and entertainment are all on the agenda, as well as learning about proper nutrition and exercise for Living a Healthy Lifestyle.

The senior population in Indiana is growing rapidly and with it comes new challenges.  Thousands of older adults in our community are living in poverty, often isolated, and threatened by hunger or poor nutrition.

REAL Services shines as a light in the lives of more than 3,000 of seniors in northern Indiana to overcome these barriers and assist them in remaining independent in their own homes.  The Nutrition Program of REAL Services serves St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Kosciusko, and LaPorte Counties.  The program was first established in 1968 when REAL Services began the first Senior Nutrition Center in the United States.  The program was the basis for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program signed into law March 22, 1972.

REAL Services’s Meals on Wheels program and Senior Nutrition Centers provide hot, nutritious, and well balanced meals.  The Senior Nutrition Centers offer various activities from walking, pickle ball, exercise, weight rooms, cards, puzzles, conversation, educational program and more.  Volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program visit with clients each day, taking a few moments to bring a smile to those individuals who may otherwise be isolated and alone.

Healthy eating and exercise may save on medical bills by helping to build bone strength, balance (to help prevent falls) and by reducing hospital stays.  Many physicians recommend nutrition programs to their clients to help them remain engaged and receive vital nutrients.

Nutrition Centers In Kosciusko County:  

• Mentone, Community Room at 101 W. Main St. Mentone
• North Webster, Suite D in the Community Center at 301 N. Main St., North Webster
• Pierceton, Senior Citizens Building at 205 First St., Pierceton
• Silver Lake, Lions Building at 108 N. Harrison St., Silver Lake
• Syracuse, Syracuse Community Center at 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse
• Warsaw, Retired Tigers Housing at 320 W. Main St., Warsaw
• Warsaw, Senior Activity Center at 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw